Chromatography method

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a method for removal of large contaminants, such as virus, in a chromatographic process for purification of a target molecule, preferably monoclonal antibodies, mAbs, by using a specifically designed chromatographic bead having a thin outer layer and a core functionalized with a ligand adsorbing the mAbs or parts thereof.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a chromatography method. More closelythe invention relates to a method for removal of large contaminants,such as virus, in a chromatographic process for purification of a targetmolecule, preferably monoclonal antibodies, mAbs, by using aspecifically designed chromatographic bead having a thin outer layer anda core functionalized with a ligand adsorbing the mAbs or parts thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Immunoglobulins represent the most prevalent biopharmaceutical productsin either manufacture or development worldwide. The high commercialdemand for and hence value of this particular therapeutic market has ledto the emphasis being placed on pharmaceutical companies to maximise theproductivity of their respective mAb manufacturing processes whilstcontrolling the associated costs.

Affinity chromatography is used in most cases, as one of the key stepsin the purification of these immunoglobulin molecules, such asmonoclonal or polyclonal antibodies. A particularly interesting class ofaffinity reagents is proteins capable of specific binding to invariableparts of an immunoglobulin molecule, such interaction being independenton the antigen-binding specificity of the antibody. Such reagents can bewidely used for affinity chromatography recovery of immunoglobulins fromdifferent samples such as but not limited to serum or plasmapreparations or cell culture derived feed stocks. An example of such aprotein is staphylococcal protein A, containing domains capable ofbinding to the Fc and Fab portions of IgG immunoglobulins from differentspecies.

Staphylococcal protein A (SpA) based reagents have due to their highaffinity and selectivity found a widespread use in the field ofbiotechnology, e.g. in affinity chromatography for capture andpurification of antibodies as well as for detection. At present,SpA-based affinity medium probably is the most widely used affinitymedium for isolation of monoclonal antibodies and their fragments fromdifferent samples including industrial feed stocks from cell cultures.Accordingly, various matrices comprising protein A-ligands arecommercially available, for example, in the form of native protein A(e.g. Protein A SEPHAROSE™, GE Healthcare, Uppsala, Sweden) and alsocomprised of recombinant protein A (e.g. rProtein A SEPHAROSE™, GEHealthcare). More specifically, the genetic manipulation performed inthe commercial recombinant protein A product is aimed at facilitatingthe attachment thereof to a support.

Virus removal is an essential purification step in the downstreampurification of mAbs. Virus removal is conventionally performed byflowing the mAb feed through dedicated virus removal filters with adefined cut-off so the mAb passes through the filter and the mainfraction of virus will not pass.

In spite of the existing technologies for virus removal duringimmunoglobulin production, there is still a need of improved productsand processes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect, the invention relates to a method for purification ofimmunoglobulin containing proteins or parts thereof, from largercontaminants, such as virus, comprising: a) contacting an immunoglobulincontaining sample with chromatography beads comprising a thin lid with adefined pore size and an inner core of defined pore size provided withan affinity ligand; b) adsorbing the immunoglobulin containing proteinsto the ligands; c) washing the beads to remove any contaminants; and d)eluting the beads to release the captured immunoglobulin containingproteins or parts thereof.

The average diameter size of the chromatography bead is 10-500 μm, suchas 10-50 μm, 50-100 μm or 250-450 μm. The chromatography beads may beused for, for example, polishing, capture and in midstream after cellculture.

The size of the chromatographic bead is chosen according to the specificapplications needed for, for example, high resolution or fast masstransport or when the viscosity of the feed is high. The average size ofthe chromatography media is for example calculated as volume-weightedmedian diameter.

The thickness of the lid is 1-8 μm, preferably 3-5 μm. The lid thicknesscan be advantageously varied in accordance with the total bead size. Forexample, in some embodiments it is desirable to have a thinner lid inorder to maintain a high binding capacity. In other embodiments, whenthe virus log reduction is more important than the binding capacity, itcan be advantageous to design the chromatographic media with a thickerlid.

The lid is preferably inactive, i.e. not provided with any interactingligands when a mAb or Fab is the target. The lid thickness may bemeasured by confocal microscopy, by microtome sectioning or conventionalmicroscopy.

The pore size of the lid and core corresponds to a K_(D) of 0.1 to 1,preferably 0.3 to 0.7, measured with dextran of Mw 110 kDa as the probemolecule. The invention is suitable for target molecules larger than 20000 D, such as a Mab of about 150 000 D. The pore size has importancefor the capacity but also for the selectivity. In swelling materialslike agarose and other polysaccharide gels, the pore size is bestestimated by an inverse size exclusion chromatography method, where thevolume fraction K_(d) accessible for a probe molecule, e.g. dextran ofMw 110 kDa, is determined. This method is described in e.g. L Hagel etal: J Chromatogr A 743, 33-42 (1996).

The pore size of the lid and core may be the same or different. Forpurification of Mabs and Fabs it is preferably the same.

In preferred embodiments the porosity of the lid and core is 0.30 to0.95, preferably about 0.60 to 0.85. The porosity of the lid and coremay be the same or different.

Porosity or pore density differences in the lid and core can be obtainedby variations of the conditions of production of the chromatographicmedia such as for example the use of different amount and percentage ofbead material, crosslinker, salt and shrinkage. The porosity of thechromatographic media can also be modified by selective addition in thedifferent layers of the bead particle of different charged or unchargedchemical entities that will physically and chemically decrease theporosity.

According to the invention the lid and core are made of agarose but mayalso be made of other natural or synthetic polymers.

Preferably the affinity ligand is a proteinaceus affinity ligand, mostpreferably the ligand is Protein A or affinity ligand derived fromProtein A. The ligand may be a monomer, dimer or any multimer. For Mabsthe ligand is preferably a pentamer (Z4).

In another embodiment the affinity ligand is Protein L or an affinityligand derived from Protein L. In this case the immunoglobulin ismonoclonal antibodies with other structures than naturally occurringantibodies, for example monospecific antibodies (fragmentantigen-binding, F(ab′)2 fragment, Fab fragment, single-chain variablefragment, di-scFv, single domain antibody).

In a further embodiment the affinity ligand is Protein G or an affinityligand derived from Protein G.

The chromatography beads may be provided in a column and thecontaminants are obtained in the flow through. Alternatively, thechromatography beads are provided in a batch mode. The chromatographybeads may be magnetic. In a further alternative the chromatography beadsare provided in fluidised bed mode.

The method according to the invention is especially suitable for removalof contaminating virus from a Mab feed. In downstream processing ofantibodies there is a demand to investigate and insure that viruses thatcould be present in the feed are removed. This is a key issue to obtainan official approval such as for example from FDA. Effective step forvirus removal greatly simplifies the validation of the process. Themethod of the invention may preferably be used in a validation processfor obtaining a therapeutic drug/protein, especially Mabs, free fromcontaminating virus.

As will be shown in the example section the method of the inventionprovides greatly improved virus reduction compared to prior art methods.

It is understood that the term “immunoglobulin containing proteins”embraces antibodies and fusion proteins or conjugates comprising anantibody portion or Fc chain as well as antibody fragments, such asFAbs, and mutated antibodies, as long as they have substantiallymaintained the binding properties of an antibody. The immunoglobulincontaining proteins can be monospecific or bispecific (trifunctionalantibody, chemically linked F(ab′)2, bi-specific T-cell engager). Theantibodies can be monoclonal antibodies or polyclonal antibodies.Preferably the antibodies are IgG, IgA and/or IgM, from a mammalianspecies, such as a human.

The terms chromatographic media, chromatographic bead, gel or resin areencompassing the same concept and are used interchangeably.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a chromatogram for trial 1 described below, where 1 mg puremAb and 1.2×10⁷ pfu virus was injected onto prototype LS-02213C.

FIG. 2 shows the chromatogram for trial 2 where 1.5 mg semi-purified mAbmixed with phages was injected onto prototype LS-02213C.

FIG. 3 shows a chromatogram where 1.5 mg semi-purified mAb mixed withphages was injected onto a commercial chromatography resin, MabSelectSure LX.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention viruses areremoved in the mAb capture step by using chromatography beads with athin inactive lid with a defined pore size and an adsorptive ligandinside the core of bead. This will make it impossible for the virus topenetrate the lid and eventually virus in the feed will come in theflow-through fraction while the mAb will diffuse through the lid layerand adsorb to the ligand inside the core of the bead.

After column wash, the mAb is then eluted traditionally with aceticacid.

The invention will now be described more closely in association with thedrawings and an experimental part.

In this invention two chromatographic bead prototypes were synthesized:Protein A core bead with inactive outer layer and the protein A (Z4)ligand inside the bead, called prototypes LS-02213A, B and C.

Protein L core bead with inactive outer layer and the protein L ligandinside the bead, called prototype LS-002480.

Bacteriophage Φ×174 (Escherichia coli bacteriophage ATCC® 13706-1™) wasused as test virus. This virus is challenging to remove from the mAb bysize exclusion because of its small diameter, 25 nm. The virus particlehas an icosahedral structure.

Bacteriophage Φ×174 infects and propagate in Escherichia coli (E. coli).Detection of Φ×174 can be done by the plaque agar overlay assay with E.coli as host. This assay is extremely sensitive since it can detect onesingle virus particle.

In this invention, Φ×174 was propagated in ATCC® 13706™ E. coli strain C(also purchased from ATCC). The phage was purified and a mAb sample wasspiked with the bacteriophage. This sample was loaded onto achromatography column containing the Core bead with inactive layer andthe affinity ligand inside the bead. The column was washed after sampleapplication and finally the mAb was eluted. During chromatography,fractions were collected to determine virus titer in selected fractions.Virus titer was determined in the flow-through fractions, first washfractions and the mAb elution fractions. The log-reduction of virus wascalculated for the mAb elution fraction.

EXPERIMENTAL PART Example 1 Production of Lid/Core Bead

Partial bromination and lid inactivation of allylated high flow agarose(HFA), prepared according to U.S. Pat. No. 6,602,990, 30 μmol allyl/mLgel, Kd: 0.675, d50v: 87.6, Dw: 70.3

The HFA bead was inactivated in the outer layer to form three differentlid thickness sizes 2, 4 and 6 μm.

Partial Bromination

The amounts of bromine added are calculated for lids 0.5 μm larger thanthe lid thicknesses aimed for. The reason for this is that experienceshows that the lids usually become thinner than aimed for due to brominelosses.

A (2 μm lid): 60 mL of allylated HFA 35Z from LS-001647A was washed 5×GVwith distilled water and then transferred drained to a 1 L round bottomflask. 450 mL of distilled water was added and mechanical propellerstirring was applied. A solution of 15 μL bromine in 100 mL distilledwater was prepared in a 100 mL E-flask with magnetic stirring. Thebromine solution was then added during ˜60 seconds under vigorousstirring (200 rpm). The flask was left at room temperature for 15minutes. The gel was then washed 12×GV with distilled water.

B (4 μm lid): 160 mL of allylated HFA 35Z from LS-001647A was washed5×GV with distilled water and then transferred drained to a 2 L roundbottom flask. 1200 mL of distilled water was added and mechanicalpropeller stirring was applied. A solution of 68 μL bromine in 100 mLdistilled water was prepared in a 100 mL E-flask with magnetic stirring.The bromine solution was then added during ˜60 seconds under vigorousstirring (300 rpm). The flask was left at room temperature for 15minutes. The gel was then washed 12×GV with distilled water.

C (6 μm lid): 60 mL of allylated HFA 35Z from LS-001647A was washed 5×GVwith distilled water and then transferred drained to a 1 L round bottomflask. 450 mL of distilled water was added and mechanical propellerstirring was applied. A solution of 35 μL bromine in 100 mL distilledwater was prepared in a 100 mL E-flask with magnetic stirring. Thebromine solution was then added during ˜60 seconds under vigorousstirring (300 rpm). The flask was left at room temperature for 15minutes. The gel was then washed 12×GV with distilled water.

Inactivation of Activated Lid

A (2 μm lid): The partially activated gel from A above was transferreddrained to a 500 mL round bottom flask. 53.7 mL of distilled water and6.34 mL of 50% NaOH (1 M) were added and mechanical propeller stirringwas applied. The flask was immersed into a water bath at 50° C. for 14.5h. The gel was then washed 10×GV with distilled water.

B (4 μm lid): The partially activated gel from B above was transferreddrained to a 500 mL round bottom flask. 143.1 mL of distilled water and16.9 mL of 50% NaOH (1 M) were added and mechanical propeller stirringwas applied. The flask was immersed into a water bath at 50° C. for 14.5h. The gel was then washed 10×GV with distilled water.

C (6 μm lid): The partially activated gel from C above was transferreddrained to a 500 mL round bottom flask. 53.7 mL of distilled water and6.34 mL of 50% NaOH (1 M) were added and mechanical propeller stirringwas applied. The flask was immersed into a water bath at 50° C. for 15h. The gel was then washed 10×GV with distilled water.

Titration

The gel was washed with plenty of water. 1.0 mL gel was measured with aTeflon cube and transferred to a suction flask with 9 mL of distilledwater. A saturated solution of bromine in water was added until a yellowcolor due to an excess of Br2 was persisting. The sample was left withmagnetic stirring for 5 min. The sample was put under vacuum (watersuction) with magnetic stirring to remove the excess of bromine. Thesample was then transferred to a titration beaker by rinsing the flaskwith 10 mL of distilled water. 2-3 drops of conc. HNO₃ were added andtitration with 0.1 M AgNO₃ for indirect measurement of allyl content wasstarted. The results are given as μmol/mL gel.

Remaining Actual lid allyl thickness Lid Titration Titration content, byusing thickness 1 μmol/ 2 μmol/ μmol/ remaining Prototype μm mL gel mLgel mL gel allyl, μm LS-001647A 29.51 30.11 29.81 Start gel #1 (Fullallyl) LS-001647A 25.20 24.96 25.08 Start gel #2 (Full allyl) LS-001840A2 19.88 21.05 20.47 2.5-3 LS-001840B 4 19.58 19.53 19.56 3.5 LS-001840C6 17.84 17.64 17.74 4.5-5

The allylated gel LS-001647A was titrated again (#2) at the same time asthe remaining allyl contents were determined. This time a lower allylcontent was determined, 25.1 instead of 29.8 μmol allyl/mL gel. Alladded amounts of bromine for the partial activations have beencalculated based on the originally determined allyl content ofLS-001647A, i.e. 29.8 μmol allyl/mL gel. The actual lid thicknesses havebeen estimated by using the remaining allyl contents and the startingallyl content of 25.1 μmol/mL gel. The lid thicknesses didn't becomequite those that were aimed for but still three different levels wereobtained which was satisfying. The lid thickness can be detected usingconfocal microscopy.

Example 2 Construction of Protein a Core Bead

In this example Protein A was immobilized into the core of allylated HFAwith different lid inactivations.

As Protein A ligand tetramer of Protein Z was used, Z (N3A, N6D,N23T)₄-Cys, below called Z4.

Activation of Gel

Same procedure was used for LS-001840A, B and C.

55 mL (g) of drained gel was placed into an E-flask with 55 mL ofdistilled water and 2.2 g of NaOAc. The flask was swirled whereafter asaturated aqueous solution of bromine was added until a yellow color waspersisting. Sodium formiate was then added to quench the excess ofbromine.

Reduction of Protein

To 55 mL of Z4 (51.7 mg/mL based on AAA), 570 mg NaHCO₃ (should havebeen 465 mg), 58 mg Na₂CO₃, 481 mg NaCl and 20 mg EDTA, were added. TheE-flask was shaked and 212 mg of DTE was added and the flask was thenput onto a shaking table. Reduction proceeded for 90 minutes beforefilling the super loop.

Desalting

A Sephadex G-25 column (˜400 mL) connected to an ÄKTA system was used todesalt the tetramer. Before starting the run the column was equilibratedwith 0.15 M NaCl/1 mM EDTA until conductivity and pH were stable. 52 mLof the reduced solution yielded 90.18 g of desalted tetramer. Fractions9-17 were collected (˜90 mL).

Determination of Protein Concentration by UV

The desalted solution was diluted 20× and had an absorbance of 0.286 at276 nm. This equals a protein concentration of 26.4 mg/mL (87% yield).

Coupling

The activated gels were washed with 3×GV 0.1 M phosphate/1 mM EDTA pH8.6.

A: 51 mL gel (LS-001840A)+14 mg Z4/mL gel (27.1 mL)+10.5 mL desaltingbuffer (should have been 8.615 mL)+1.45 M Na₂SO₄ (17.86 g) were mixed ina 250 mL flask.

B: 51 mL gel (LS-001840B)+15 mg Z4/mL gel (29.0 mL)+6.68 mL desaltingbuffer+1.45 M Na₂SO₄ (17.86 g) were mixed in a 250 mL flask.

C: 51 mL gel (LS-001840C)+16 mg Z4/mL gel (31.0 mL)+4.74 mL desaltingbuffer+1.45 M Na₂SO₄ (17.86 g) were mixed in a 250 mL flask.

Mechanical propeller stirring was applied and the flasks were immersedinto a water bath at 33° C. for 3 h.

Deactivation

The gels were washed 3×GV with distilled water. The gels+1 GV 0.1 Mphosphate/1 mM EDTA/7.5% thioglycerol pH 8.5 were mixed and the flaskswere left at room temperature for 17 h. The gels were then washed 3times alternately with 1×GV 0.5 M HAc and 2×GV 0.1 M TRIS/0.15 M NaCl pH8.5 and then 10×GV mL with distilled water.

Drying Method

The dry weight of the prototype was determined by a single measurement.1 mL of gel was measured using a Teflon cube and transferred to apre-dried and pre-weighed glass filter. The gel was sucked dry andwashed two times with acetone. Drying was performed in an oven at 50° C.under vacuum overnight and the dry weight of the gel was determined bysubtracting the mass of the pre-weighed glass filter.

Amino Acid Analysis

1 mL of each gel was dried and analysed.

LS-002213A Dry weight: 81.9 mg/mL Ligand density: 3.8 mg/mL LS-002213BDry weight: 83.5 mg/mL Ligand density: 5.0 mg/mL LS-002213C Dry weight:82.4 mg/mL Ligand density: 5.0 mg/mL

Example 3 Construction of Protein L Core Beads

Immobilization of Protein L into the core of allylated HFA with 3.5 μmlid inactivation.

Ref: Structure of Peptostreptococcal Protein L and Identification of a

Repeated Immunoglobulin Light Chain-binding Domain, The Journal ofBiological Chemsitry, Vol. 267, No. 18, Issue of June 25, pp.12820-12825, 1992, William Kastem, Ulf Sjobring, and Lars Björck.

Activation of Gel

55 mL (g) of drained gel from LS-001840B was placed into an E-flask with55 mL of distilled water and 2.2 g of NaOAc. The flask was swirledwhereafter a saturated aqueous solution of bromine was added until ayellow color was persisting. Sodium formiate was then added to quenchthe excess of bromine.

Coupling

The activated gel was washed with 3×GV 0.2 M phosphate/1 mM EDTA pH11.5. 52 mL gel (LS-001840B)+15 mg PrL/mL gel (15.2 mL)+21.2 mL couplingbuffer+1.30 M Na₂SO₄ (16.32 g) were mixed in a 250 mL flask.

Mechanical propeller stirring was applied and the flask was immersedinto a water bath at 30° C. for 17.5 h.

Deactivation

The gel was washed 3×GV with distilled water and then 4×GV with 0.1phosphate/1 mM EDTA pH 8.5. The gel+1 GV 0.1 M phosphate/1 mM EDTA/7.5%thioglycerol pH 8.5 were mixed and the flask with stirring was immersedinto a water bath at 45° C. for 2 h. The gel was then washed 3 timesalternately with 3×GV 0.1 M HAc and 3×GV 0.1 M TRIS/0.15 M NaCl pH 8.5and then 10×GV mL with distilled water.

Drying Method

The dry weight of the prototype was determined by a single measurement.1 mL of gel was measured using a Teflon cube and transferred to apre-dried and pre-weighed glass filter. The gel was sucked dry andwashed two times with acetone. Drying was performed in an oven at 50° C.under vacuum overnight and the dry weight of the gel was determined bysubtracting the mass of the pre-weighed glass filter.

Amino Acid Analysis, AAA

1 mL of gel was dried and analysed.

LS-002480 Dry weight: 91.4 mg/mL gel Ligand density: 11.9 mg PrL/mL gelMultipoint attachment: 10.6 lysines/PrL attached to the gel

The AAA data for the amino acids alanine, valine, isoleucine and leucineare used when calculating ligand density and degree of multipointattachment.

Experiment 4 Propagation of Bacteriophage and Bacteria Nutrient Agar

23 g nutrient agar and 5.0 g NaCl was weighed into a 1000 mL glassbeaker. The glass beaker was filled with 1000 milli-Q water and thesolution was mixed. The solution was autoclaved for 15 min at 121° C.After autoclaving, the solution was stored in a 45° C. water bath.

Nutrient Broth

16 g nutrient broth and 5.0 g NaCl was weighed into a 1000 mL glassbeaker. The glass beaker was filled with 1000 mL milli-Q water and the ssolution was mixed. The solution was autoclaved for 15 min at 121° C.After autoclaving, the solution was stored in a 45° C. water bath.

Top Agar

7.7 g nutrient agar and 5.0 g NaCl was weighed into a 1000 mL glassbeaker. The glass beaker was filled with 1000 milli-q water and thesolution was mixed. The solution was autoclaved for 15 min at 121° C.After autoclaving, the solution was stored in a 45° C. water bath.

Preparation of Agar Plates

10 cm plates were prepared by adding 10 mL of the 45° C. nutrient agarinto each plate. The plates were stored at 5° C.

1 mL nutrient broth was added into the freeze dried vial from ATCCcontaining Escherichia coli strain C. 50 μL glycerol was also added andthe vial was mixed well. The vial was stored at −70° C.

To propagate bacteria, a serological loop was placed into the freezedbacteria and some bacteria was catched on the loop. The loop, containingbacteria, was drawn on an agar plate. The agar plate was placedovernight in a 37° C. incubator. Next day bacterial growth was seen onthe agar plate and the bacteria was scraped off by a serological loopand put into a tube containing 3 mL nutrient broth. The tube wasincubated in an environmental shaker for 18 h and a hazy development ofbacterial growth was developed after 18 hours.

1 mL of the nutrient broth was pipetted into the freeze dried vialcontaining the Escherichia coli bacteriophage ATCC® 13706-01™ (Φ×174). A10 cm agar plate was pre-warmed for 1 hour at 37° C. Two drops of the 3mL bacteria culture was mixed with 2.5 mL top agar. This aliquot waspoured onto the pre-warmed plate and the plate was leaved to solidify.0.5 mL of the re-hydrated phage solution was pipetted serologically ontothe surface of the top-agar in the agar plate. The agar plate wasincubated over-night and lysis of E. coli cells was seen. The soft agarsurface was scraped off into a sterile 10 mL centrifugal tube. Thesuspension was centrifuged at 4000 rpm for 10 minutes and thesupernatant was sterile filtrated through a 0.2 μm sterile filter into asterile 1.5 mL collection tube. The propagated and filtrated phagesolution in the tube was stored at 5° C.

To determine the virus titer of the propagated phage solution, a plaqueoverlay assay was used.

Bacteria was propagated as above but when growing the cells in the brothtube, the growth was stopped after 3 hours. 8 agar-plates werepre-warmed at 37° C. The phage was serially diluted in sterile 1.5 mLtubes by pipetting 10 μL of the phage stock and mix with 990 μL nutrientbroth. This was the 10² dilution.

The phage was further serially diluted up to 10⁹ by taking 100 μL ofeach dilution and mix with 900 μL nutrient broth.

100 μL of each dilution of phage was mixed with 300 μL bacteria in a 10mL sterile centrifuge tube, incubated for 15 minutes and then 3 mL ofwarm (45° C.) top-agar was added to every tube. The top agar mixed withthe bacteria and phages were poured onto the agar plates. The top agarwas solidified in room temperature and put into the 37° C. incubator for3 hours. After 3 hours visible 3-5 mm plaques could be seen and atcertain dilutions these plaques were countable in a colony counter. 17plaques were found in the 10⁷ dilution which means that theconcentration of virus in the stock was 17×10⁷/0.1 ml=17×10⁸=1.7×10⁹ pfu(plaque forming units)/mL.

Example 5 Virus Removal from mAb Sample by Chromatography

Chromatography system ÄKTA avant 25 sn 1536118, GE Healthcare ColumnTricorn 5/100, GE Healthcare Resin LS-02213C Core Bead 4.5-5 μm OH-lidLigand: 5.0 mg Z4/mL gel Base matrix: HFA Reference resin MabSelect SuReLX, GE Healthcare

Samples:

mAb, pure 3.0 mg/mL, purified with Mabselect SuRe, Capto S to removeacid and basic variants and Capto adhere to remove HCP and DNA mAb 5,semi purified 15.0 mg/mL, only purified with MabSelect SuRe

Trial 1

15 μL phage stock (1.7×10⁹ pfu/mL), 1.0 mL of 3.0 mg/mL pure mAb in PBSand 0.48 mL PBS solution was mixed in a 1.5 mL tube. The solution wassterile filtrated using a 0.2 μm sterile filter. This was the startmaterial. Note that sterile filtration might reduce the amount ofbacteriophages. Trial 1 was performed on prototype of the invention.

Trial 2 and 3

50 μL phage stock (1.7×10⁹ pfu/mL), 1.0 mL of 15 mg/mL of PrA purifiedMab (not pure) and 3.95 mL PBS solution was mixed in a 10 mL centrifugetube. The solution was filtrated through a 0.45 μm filter. This was thestart material. Note that 0.45 μm filtration might reduce the amount ofbacteriophages. Trial 2 was performed on prototype of the invention.Trial 3 is a comparative example performed on a commercial resin.

Chromatograhy

Two tricorn columns were packed with prototype LS-002213C at atflow-rate of 8 mL/min in 10 mM NaCl. The bed-height was adjusted to 5.2cm and the top adaptor was adjusted ˜1 mm below the mark. 1.0 mL resinin the column was obtained. Same packing procedure was performed for theMaB Select SuRe LX resin.

The system flow was checked at 1.0 mL/min using a 10 mL volumetricflask. The columns were equilibrated for 5 cv at 0.25 mL/min (4 mmresidence time). 500 μL of the Mab mix with bacteriophage was injectedonto each column using a 500 μL capillary loop. Fraction collection with0.5 mL fractions were started.

After injection, the column was washed with 5 cv PBS at 0.25 mL/minfollowed by 5 cv 0.1 M NaOAc pH 6.0 at 0.25 mL/min. The mAb was elutedwith 5 cv 0.1 M HAc at 0.25 mL/min and the fraction collector only peakfractionated the elution peak using the watch commandos Peak start >50mAU, peak End <100 mAU. The column was CIP:ed with 2 cv 0.1 M NaOH at0.25 mL/min (including a 20 mm hold after 1 cv) followed by a 5 cvequilibration with PBS at 0.25 mL/min

The mAb elution peak in fractions b10 and b11 were pooled (if needed).

Virus Counting

Bacteria was propagated as above but at 9 mL scale. The growth wasstopped after 3 hours. 90 agar-plates were pre-warmed at 37° C. Eachfraction selected and start sample was serially diluted in sterile 1.5mL tubes by pipetting 100 μL of the fraction and mix with 900 μLnutrient broth. The samples was further serially diluted up to 10⁷ bytaking 100 μL of each dilution and mix with 900 μL nutrient broth.

100 μL of each dilution of sample was mixed with 300 μL bacteria in a 10mL sterile centrifuge tube, incubated for 15 minutes and then 3 mL ofwarm (45° C.) top-agar was added into each tube. The top agar mixed withthe bacteria and phages were poured onto the agar plates. The top agarwas solidified in room temperature and put into the 37° C. incubator for3 hours. After 3 hours visible 3-5 mm plaques could be seen and atcertain dilutions these plaques were countable in a colony counter.

Results

FIG. 1 shows the chromatogram from trial 1, where 1 mg pure mAb mixedwith phages was injected onto prototype LS-02213C. Selected fractionsfor plaque overlay assay: Start sample, A1, A2, A3, A4 and mAb elutionpeak B10 and B11 (pooled volume=0.56 mL).

The protocol for counting plaques (pfu) can be seen in Table 1. Boldfigures are the number that have been used for calculation.

TABLE 1 Pfu counting protocol of selected fractions from thechromatogram at different dilutions, trial 1. mAb elution Start FractionFraction Fraction Fraction peak sample A1 A2 A3 A4 B10, B11 Dilution PfuPfu pfu pfu pfu pfu 10¹ N/A — — — — 18 10² N/A — — — — 1 10³ — — — —106  0 10⁴ >100    >100    50  29  8 0 10⁵ 24  11  2 4 — N/A 10⁶ 2 1 0 0— N/A 10⁷ 0 0 1 0 — N/A

Mass balance calculations, trial 1:

Start sample: 2.4×10⁶ pfu/0.1×0.5=1.2×10⁷ pfu loadedA1: 1.1×10⁶/0.1×0.5=5.5×10⁶ pfuA2: 5.0×10⁵/0.1×0.5=2.5×10⁶ pfuA3: 2.9×10⁵/0.1×0.5=1.45×10⁶ pfuA4: 8×10⁴/0.1×0.5=0.4×10⁶ pfuTotal in A1-A4=9.85×10⁶ pfu, Yield=0.985/1.20*100=82%Elution fraction: 1.8×10²/0.1×0.56 mL=1.0×10³ pfuReduction: log₁₀ (1.2×10⁷/1.0×10³)=4.1Mab Yield: Mab loaded 1.0 mg, mAb eluted in pool=90.83 mg Yield=83%(measured by UV at 280 nm using ext.coeff. of 1.4)

FIG. 2 shows the chromatogram for trial 2 where 1.5 mg semi-purified mAband 2.8×10⁷ pfu was loaded onto prototype LS-02213C.

The protocol for counting plaques (pfu) for trial 2 can be seen in Table2. Bold figures are the number that have been used for calculation.

TABLE 2 Pfu counting protocol of selected fractions from thechromatogram at different dilutions, trial 2. mAb elution Start FractionFraction Fraction Fraction Fraction peak sample A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 B10, B11Dilution pfu pfu pfu pfu pfu pfu pfu 10¹ N/A N/A N/A N/AN/A >100 >100    10² N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A >100 53  10³ N/A73 >100    >100    >100    >100 5 10⁴ >100    11 50  32  25  16 0 10⁵56   2 8 5 4 0 N/A 10⁶ 5 N/A N/A 0 0 N/A N/A 10⁷ 0 N/A N/A 0 0 N/A N/A

Mass balance calculations, trial 2:

Start sample: 5.6×10⁶ pfu/0.1×0.5=2.8×10⁷ pfu loadedA1: 1.1×10⁵/0.1×0.5=0.55×10⁶ pfuA2: 5.0×10⁵/0.1×0.5=2.5×10⁶ pfuA3: 3.2×10⁵/0.1×0.5=1.6×10⁶ pfuA4: 2.5×10⁵/0.1×0.5=1.25×10⁶ pfuA5: 1.6×10⁵/0.1×0.5=0.8×10⁶ pfuTotal in A1-A5=0.67×10⁷ pfu, Yield=0.67/2.8*100=24%Elution fraction: 5.3×10³/0.1×0.58 mL=3.1×10⁴ pfuReduction: log₁₀ (2.8×10⁷/3.1×10⁴)=3.0Mab Yield: Mab loaded 1.5 mg, mAb eluted in pool=1.34 mg Yield=89%(measured by UV at 280 nm using ext.coeff. of 1.4)

FIG. 3 shows the chromatogram were 1.5 mg semi-purified mAb mixed withphages was injected onto MabSelect Sure LX. Selected fractions forplaque overlay assay: Start sample, A1, A2, A3, A4, A5 and mAb elutionpeak.

In the chromatogram of FIG. 4, 1.5 mg semi-purified mAb and 1.4×10⁷ pfuwas loaded onto MaBSelect SuRe LX.

TABLE 3 Pfu counting protocol of selected fractions from thechromatogram at different dilutions, trial 3. mAb elution Start FractionFraction Fraction Fraction Fraction peak sample A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 B10, B11Dilution pfu pfu pfu pfu pfu pfu pfu 10¹ N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A >100 >10010² N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A >100 >100 10³ N/A N/A >100    >100    >100    35   24 10⁴ >100    3 22  24  10  1    0 10⁵ 28  0 6 3 1 0 N/A 10⁶ 3 N/AN/A 0 0 0 N/A 10⁷ 0 N/A N/A 0 0 0 N/A

Mass balance calculations, trial 3:

Start sample: 2.8×10⁶ pfu/0.1×0.5=1.4×10⁷ pfu loadedA1: 0.3×10⁵/0.1×0.5=0.15×10⁶ pfuA2: 2.2×10⁵/0.1×0.5=1.1×10⁶ pfuA3: 2.4×10⁵/0.1×0.5=1.2×10⁶ pfuA4: 1.0×10⁵/0.1×0.5=0.5×10⁶ pfuA5: 0.35×10⁵/0.1×0.5=0.17×10⁶ pfuTotal in A1-A5=3.1×10⁶ pfu, Yield=0.31/1.4*100=22%Elution fraction: 2.4×10⁴/0.1×0.66 mL=1.6×10⁵ pfuReduction: log₁₀ (1.4×10⁷/1.6×10⁵)=1.9Mab Yield: Mab loaded 1.5 mg, mAb eluted in pool=1.36 mg Yield=91%(measured by UV at 280 nm using ext.coeff. of 1.4)

Results

For pure mAb the virus reduction was 1 log better than for the trialusing semi-purified mAb for prototype LS-02213C. The virus recovery wasalso better (82%) in the trial where pure mAb has been used incomparison to the trial where semi-purified mab has been used (only24%).

In trial 2 and 3, where same start material was used, using thesemi-purified mAb feed it was clearly shown-that the prototype LS-02213Chad better virus reduction performance than MabSelect SuRe. Theprototype LS-02213C showed 1 log better virus reduction than MabSelectSuRe.

The result show that the prototype LS-02213C was able to reduce theamount bacteriophage with a log reduction of 4.1 and with a mAb yield of83%, using a pure mAb.

Using a semi-purified mAb the log virus reduction was 3.0 for LS-02213Cand 1.9 for MabSelect Sure LX.

It should be noted that the log reduction is dependent onresidence/adsorption time (flow rate) and wash volume before eluting theprotein. In the above examples, a standard column residence time, 4 min,and a standard wash of 10 column volumes (prior elution) was used.

1. A method for purification of immunoglobulin containing proteins orparts thereof, from larger contaminants, comprising: a) contacting animmunoglobulin containing sample with chromatography beads comprising athin lid with a defined pore size and an inner core of defined pore sizeprovided with an affinity ligand; b) adsorbing the immunoglobulincontaining proteins to the ligands; c) washing the beads to remove anycontaminants; and d) eluting the beads to release the capturedimmunoglobulin containing proteins or parts thereof.
 2. The methodaccording to claim 1, wherein the contaminants are virus.
 3. The methodaccording to claim 2, wherein the average diameter size of thechromatography bead is 10-500 μm, such as 10-50 μm, 50-100 μm or 250-450μm.
 4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the thickness of the lidis 1-8 μm, preferably 3-5 μm.
 5. The method according to claim 4,wherein the pore size of the lid and core correspond to K_(D) 0.1 to 1,preferably about 0.3 to 0.7.
 6. The method according to claim 5, whereinthe porosity of the lid and core is 0.30 to 0.95, preferably about 0.60to 0.85.
 7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the lid and coreare made of agarose.
 8. The method according to claim 7, wherein thepore size and/or porosity of the lid and core is the same or different.9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the affinity ligand is aproteinaceus affinity ligand.
 10. The method according to claim 9,wherein the ligand is Protein A or affinity ligand derived from ProteinA, such as Protein Z4.
 11. The method according to claim 10, wherein theimmunoglobulin containing protein is a mAb.
 12. The method according toclaim 9, wherein the affinity ligand is Protein L or an affinity ligandderived from Protein L.
 13. The method according to claim 12, whereinthe immunoglobulin is a Fab.
 14. The method according to claim 9,wherein the affinity ligand is Protein G or an affinity ligand derivedfrom Protein G.
 15. The method according to claim 14, wherein thechromatography beads are provided in a column and the contaminants areobtained in the flow through.
 16. The method according to claim 15,wherein the chromatography beads are provided in a batch mode.
 17. Themethod according to claim 16, wherein the chromatography beads aremagnetic.
 18. The method according to claim 17, wherein thechromatography beads are provided in fluidised bed mode.
 19. The methodaccording to claim 18 which is used in a validation process forobtaining therapeutic immunoglobulins substantially free fromcontaminating virus.